Ohio State Running Back Makes Surprising Transfer Portal Reversal
Ohio State football will move forward without both coordinators and with a younger backfield following its national championship run. However, one Buckeyes running back made an unexpected decision on Wednesday.
Sam Williams-Dixon, who had entered the transfer portal during Ohio State’s College Football Playoff run, has now withdrawn and will remain with the Buckeyes, according to Pete Nakos of On3.com.
Williams-Dixon redshirted in his first year at Ohio State, seeing action in just three games. The Pickerington, Ohio native carried the ball three times or fewer against Purdue, Western Michigan, and Akron, finishing with seven carries for 53 yards, averaging an impressive 7.6 yards per carry, though he did not score a touchdown.
His decision to return coincides with former NFL head coach Matt Patricia joining Ryan Day’s staff to lead the defense for the 2025 season.
Williams-Dixon Returns to Competitive Backfield
With offensive coordinator Chip Kelly now with the Las Vegas Raiders, Williams-Dixon rejoins a restructured backfield. The Buckeyes are losing 1,000-yard rushers TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, leaving opportunities for new leaders to emerge.
Williams-Dixon will face stiff competition for the top spot. Ohio State added C.J. Donaldson from West Virginia via the transfer portal. The 6-foot-2, 238-pound back has 30 career rushing touchdowns and two consecutive 700-yard rushing seasons under his belt.
James Peoples, who was the third option behind Henderson and Judkins last year, is also a strong contender. The 2024 freshman recorded 49 carries for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and averaged four yards per carry.
Regardless of who claims the RB1 role, the Buckeyes will have a new offensive coordinator leading the unit. Longtime wide receivers coach Brian Hartline was promoted to OC following Kelly’s departure. He inherits a talented mix of returning players and exciting newcomers.
Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class features running backs Bo Jackson, Anthony Rogers, and Isaiah West, all of whom will compete for snaps as spring practices get underway.
